Container Opening Support System

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a container opening support system for supporting a flexible container in an open condition to facilitate filling the flexible container, and methods of making and using such a container opening support system, the container opening support system including an annular member having annular member first and second ends which movably couple to one another to allow adjustment of an annular member perimeter between contracted and expanded conditions, whereby in the contracted condition, the annular member perimeter bounds a lesser interior space in relation to the expanded condition, in which the annular member perimeter bounds a greater interior space; and a securement assembly which releasably secures the annular member first and second ends in fixed relation to one another following adjustment of the annular member perimeter.

This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/291,080, filed Jan. 20,2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/184,687, filed Jun.25, 2015, each hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be toprovide a container opening support system for supporting a flexiblecontainer in an open condition to facilitate filling the flexiblecontainer, and methods of making and using such a container openingsupport system, the container opening support system including anannular member having annular member first and second ends which movablycouple to one another to allow adjustment of an annular member perimeterbetween contracted and expanded conditions, whereby in the contractedcondition, the annular member perimeter bounds a lesser interior spacein relation to the expanded condition, in which the annular memberperimeter bounds a greater interior space; and a securement assemblywhich releasably secures the annular member first and second ends infixed relation to one another following adjustment of the annular memberperimeter.

Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can beto further provide a handle coupled to the annular member, whereby thehandle can facilitate moving the container opening support system.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

II. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a method of using a particular embodimentof the container opening support system.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a method of using a particular embodimentof the container opening support system.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of thecontainer opening support system, whereby an annular member of thecontainer opening support system has an annular member perimeter whichis adjusted to a contracted condition.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the particular embodiment of thecontainer opening support system shown in FIG. 3A, but whereby theannular member perimeter is adjusted to an expanded condition.

FIG. 4A is a front view of the particular embodiment of the containeropening support system shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4B is a rear view of the particular embodiment of the containeropening support system shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4C is a first side view of the particular embodiment of thecontainer opening support system shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4D is a second side view of the particular embodiment of thecontainer opening support system shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4E is a top view of the particular embodiment of the containeropening support system shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4F is a bottom view of the particular embodiment of the containeropening support system shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view 5A-5A of the particular embodiment ofthe container opening support system shown in FIG. 4E.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the particular embodiment of thesecurement assembly shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a front view of a particular embodiment of the containeropening support system having a securement assembly which providescontinuous adjustment of an annular member perimeter of an annularmember of the container opening support system.

FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the particular embodiment of thesecurement assembly shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the particular embodiment ofthe securement assembly shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B.

FIG. 8A is a front view of the particular embodiment of the securementassembly shown in FIG. 6A through FIG. 7, whereby an annular memberfirst end of the annular member is disengaged from a catch of thesecurement assembly.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view 8B-8B of the particular embodiment ofthe securement assembly shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a front view of the particular embodiment of the securementassembly shown in FIG. 6A through FIG. 7, whereby an annular memberfirst end of the annular member is engaged with a catch of thesecurement assembly to releasably secure annular member first and secondends in fixed or immovable relation to one another.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view 9B-9B of the particular embodiment ofthe securement assembly shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a front view of a particular embodiment of the containeropening support system, whereby an annular member of the containeropening support system has an annular member perimeter which is adjustedto a contracted condition.

FIG. 10B is a front view of the particular embodiment of the containeropening support system shown in FIG. 10A, but whereby the annular memberperimeter is adjusted to an expanded condition.

FIG. 10C is a rear view of the particular embodiment of the containeropening support system shown in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 10D is a first side view of the particular embodiment of thecontainer opening support system shown in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 10E is a second side view of the particular embodiment of thecontainer opening support system shown in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 10F is a top view of the particular embodiment of the containeropening support system shown in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 10G is a bottom view of the particular embodiment of the containeropening support system shown in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 11A is a front view including internal components of the particularembodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 10Bthrough FIG. 10G, whereby a catch of a securement assembly is catchablyengaged with one of a plurality of catch elements to releasably secureannular member first and second ends in fixed or immovable relation toone another.

FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of the particular embodiment of thesecurement assembly shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a front view including internal components of the particularembodiment of the container opening support system shown in FIG. 10Bthrough FIG. 10G, but whereby a catch of a securement assembly isdisengaged from a catch-receiving element.

FIG. 12B is an enlarged view of the particular embodiment of thesecurement assembly shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of thecontainer opening support system, whereby an annular member of thecontainer opening support system has an annular member perimeter whichis adjusted to an expanded condition.

FIG. 14A is a front view of the particular embodiment of the containeropening support system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14B is a rear view of the particular embodiment of the containeropening support system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14C is a first side view of the particular embodiment of thecontainer opening support system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14D is a second side view of the particular embodiment of thecontainer opening support system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14E is a top view of the particular embodiment of the containeropening support system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14F is a bottom view of the particular embodiment of the containeropening support system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15A is a front view of the particular embodiment of the containeropening support system shown in FIG. 13, but whereby the annular memberperimeter is adjusted to a contracted condition.

FIG. 15B is a front view of the particular embodiment of the containeropening support system shown in FIG. 13, but whereby the annular memberperimeter is adjusted to a contracted condition.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a particular embodiment of pivotallycoupled segments of the container opening support system.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a standconfigured to support the container opening support system, whereby thestand is disposed in an unfolded condition.

FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the particular embodiment of the standshown in FIG. 17A, but whereby the stand is disposed in a foldedcondition.

III. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the inventive containeropening support system (1) can be used to support a flexible container(2) in an open condition (3) to facilitate filling the interior of theflexible container (2) with one or more containable materials (4),whereby the container opening support system (1) includes an annularmember (5) which can be perimetrically adjusted to engage with acontainer first end (6) of the flexible container (2). Upon engagement,the annular member (5) can sufficiently tension or apply outwardlydirected forces to the container first end (6) to support and maintainthe container first end (6) in the open condition (3).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the container openingsupport system (1) can, but need not necessarily, further include ahandle (7) coupled to the annular member (5), whereby the handle (7) canbe gripped by a user (8) to move the container opening support system(1) from location to location or to position the container first end (6)in relation to the containable materials (4) to be transferred into theinterior of the flexible container (2) while the annular member (5)supports and maintains the container first end (6) in the open condition(3).

As to particular embodiments, a user (8) can grip the handle (7) withonly a first hand (9) to position the container first end (6), therebyleaving a second hand (10) free to transfer the containable materials(4) into the interior of the flexible container (2).

Upon receipt of the containable materials (4) within the interior of theflexible container (2), the annular member (5) can be disengaged fromthe container first end (6), thereby relieving the tension or decreasingthe outwardly directed forces applied to the container first end (6).Subsequently, the container first end (6) can be disposed in a closedcondition (11) to enclose the containable materials (4) within theflexible container (2).

The term “container” for the purposes of this invention means an objectthat can contain or contains containable material(s), or a receptacleconfigured for containing material(s), whereby the receptacle istypically open at a first end and closed at an opposing second end.Without limitation to the breadth of the foregoing, illustrativeexamples of a container can include: a bag, a sack, a pouch, or a tube,or the like, or combinations thereof, whereby the container can beformed from thin, flexible, woven or nonwoven material of natural orsynthetic fiber or film, or the like, or combinations thereof.

The term “containable material” for the purposes of this invention meansany material, whether gas, liquid, or solid, which can be transferredinto a container for containment within the container. Withoutlimitation to the breadth of the foregoing, illustrative containablematerial can include: detritus, debris, waste, rubbish, litter, scrap,rock, rubble, gravel, silt, dirt, refuse, junk, chaff, grass clippings,leaves, weeds, trash, garbage, or the like, or combinations thereof.

The term “end” for the purposes of this invention means a portion of anobject which is nearer an extremity of the object than a center of theobject.

Fundamentally, the container opening support system (1) includes anannular member (5).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 4F and FIG. 10A throughFIG. 10G, as to particular embodiments, the annular member (5) can beconfigured as a tube (12) provided by a wall (13) which defines agenerally hollow passage, whereby the wall (13) completely surrounds thepassage.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 13 through FIG. 15B, as to otherparticular embodiments, the annular member (5) can be configured as awalled channel (14) provided by a wall (13) which only partiallysurrounds a channel.

Upon use of the container opening support system (1), the wall (13) canengage with an external or internal surface (15)(16) of the flexiblecontainer (2) to support the container first end (6) in the opencondition (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 4F, FIG. 10A throughFIG. 10G, and FIG. 13 through FIG. 15B, the annular member (5) can haveany of a numerous and wide variety of configurations of varyingdimensions such that both the configuration and dimensional relations ofthe annular member (5) are sufficient to support the container first end(6) in the open condition (3) and specifically, are sufficient totension or apply outwardly directed forces to the container first end(6) to support the container first end (6) in the open condition (3).

As but one non-limiting example shown in the embodiments of FIG. 3Athrough FIG. 4F and FIG. 13 through FIG. 15B, the annular member (5) candefine a circle or have a generally circular configuration, which may beuseful for supporting a container first end (6) which defines a circleor has a generally circular configuration when in the open condition(3).

As but another non-limiting example shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10Athrough FIG. 10G, the annular member (5) can define a rectangle or havea generally rectangular configuration (or can define a square or have agenerally square configuration, as a square is a special type ofrectangle having four sides of equal length), which may be useful forsupporting a container first end (6) which defines a rectangle or has agenerally rectangular configuration when in the open condition (3). Ofnote, the corners (17) of the rectangular annular member (5) can berounded or arcuate, functioning to preclude the corners (17) frompuncturing or tearing the flexible container (2), which may occur if thecorners (17) are formed from right angles or substantially right angles.

As to other particular embodiments, the annular member (5) can defineadditional shapes, such as a semicircle, an oval, a semioval, anellipse, a semiellipse, a triangle, a polygon, a freeform shape, or thelike, or combinations thereof, depending upon the embodiment and theapplication.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, FIG.13, FIG. 15A, and FIG. 15B, the annular member (5) is perimetricallyadjustable.

Correspondingly, the annular member (5) has an annular member perimeter(18) which can be adjusted between a contracted condition (19) in whichthe annular member perimeter (18) bounds a lesser interior space (20) inrelation to an expanded condition (21), in which the annular memberperimeter (18) bounds a greater interior space (20).

Accordingly, adjustment of the annular member perimeter (18) can providea contracted condition (19) in which the annular member perimeter (18)has a lesser diameter in relation to an expanded condition (21), inwhich the annular member perimeter (18) has a greater diameter.

The term “diameter” for the purposes of this invention means thedistance through the center of an object from one side to the other,whereby the object can have any shape, including that of a circle,square, rectangle, etc.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5A, FIG. 11A, FIG. 12A, and FIG. 13, theannular member (5) comprises opposing annular member first and secondends (22)(23) which movably couple (or directly couple or connect) toone another to allow adjustment of the annular member perimeter (18)between contracted and expanded conditions (19)(21).

As to particular embodiments, the annular member first and second ends(22)(23) can be configured to slidably engage with one another to allowadjustment of the annular member perimeter (18) between contracted andexpanded conditions (19)(21).

As but one illustrative example, the annular member first and secondends (22)(23) can be configured to reciprocally nestingly engage orreciprocally telescopingly engage with one another to allow adjustmentof the annular member perimeter (18) between contracted and expandedconditions (19)(21).

Consequently, the annular member first end (22) can have a lesser outerdiameter in relation to an inner diameter of the annular member secondend (23), thereby permitting receipt of the annular member first end(22) within a channel or passage defined by the annular member secondend (23) for corresponding reciprocal nesting or telescoping engagementof the annular member first and second ends (22)(23).

Upon operation, when the annular member perimeter (18) is adjustedtoward the contracted condition (19), greater portions of the annularmember first and second ends (22)(23) can be nestingly or telescopinglyengaged to provide an annular member perimeter (18) which bounds alesser interior space (20) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 3A, FIG.10A, FIG. 15A, and FIG. 15B), which may be a useful condition forinserting the annular member (5) into the container first end (6) or fordisengaging the annular member (5) from the container first end (6).

Conversely, when the annular member perimeter (18) is adjusted towardthe expanded condition (21), lesser portions of the annular member firstand second ends (22)(23) can be nestingly or telescopingly engaged toprovide an annular member perimeter (18) which bounds a greater interiorspace (20) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 3B, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 13),which may be useful for sufficiently tensioning or applying outwardlydirected forces to the container first end (6) to support the containerfirst end (6) in the open condition (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 5A through FIG. 9B,and FIG. 11A through FIG. 13, the container opening support system (1)further includes a securement assembly (24) which releasably secures theannular member first and second ends (22)(23) in fixed or immovablerelation to one another, for example following adjustment of the annularmember perimeter (18) toward the expanded condition (21) to sufficientlytension or apply outwardly directed forces to the container first end(6) to support the container first end (6) in the open condition (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 5B, FIG. 10A throughFIG. 15B, as to particular embodiment, the securement assembly (24) canfacilitate releasable securement of the annular member first and secondends (22)(23) in fixed relation to one another at selectable discreteincremental positions (25) along the annular member (5), for example atselectable discrete incremental positions (25) along a longitudinal axis(26) of the annular member (5), thereby providing incremental adjustmentof the annular member perimeter (18). As but one illustrative example,the securement assembly (24) can comprise a catch (27) and a pluralityof catch-receiving elements (28), whereby catchable engagement of thecatch (27) with each of the plurality of catch-receiving elements (28)releasably secures the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) infixed relation to one another at a different discrete incrementalposition (25) along the annular member (5). In this way, the annularmember perimeter (18) can be adjusted to have a selected diameter foroptimization of the tension or outwardly directed forces which areapplied to the container first end (6) to support the container firstend (6) in the open condition (3).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 5B, FIG. 10A throughFIG. 15B, the catch (27) can be coupled (or directly coupled orconnected) to the annular member first end (22) and the plurality ofcatch-receiving elements (28) can be coupled (or directly coupled orconnected) to the annular member second end (23) such that upon nestingor telescoping engagement of the annular member first and second ends(22)(23), the catch (27) can catchably engage with one of the pluralityof catch-receiving elements (28) to releasably secure the annular memberfirst and second ends (22)(23) in fixed relation to one another.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, FIG.12A, and FIG. 12B, the catch (27) can be configured as a protrusion(29), for example a generally hemispherical protrusion (29) (as shown inthe examples of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B), which is responsive to aresiliently flexible member (30) configured to resiliently bias theprotrusion (29) to outwardly extend from an annular member outer surface(31) of the annular member first end (22), as opposed to disposingsubstantially flush with or below the annular member outer surface (31).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, FIG.12A, and FIG. 12B, each catch-receiving element (28) can be configuredas an aperture element (32) which disposes within the annular membersecond end (23), whereby the plurality of aperture elements (32) candispose in spaced apart relation, for example in linear spaced apartrelation along the longitudinal axis (26) of the annular member (5).Following, upon nesting or telescoping engagement of the annular memberfirst and second ends (22)(23), the protrusion (29) can align with aselected aperture element (32) and catchably engage with the apertureelement (32) via biasing by resiliently flexible member (30) tooutwardly extend from the annular member outer surface (31) and throughthe aperture element (32), thereby securing the annular members firstand second ends (22)(23) in fixed relation to one another. Fordisengagement, inwardly directed forces can be applied to the protrusion(29) and correspondingly, to the resiliently flexible member (30), untilthe protrusion (29) no longer passes through the aperture element (32),allowing reciprocal nesting or telescoping movement of the annularmember first and second ends (22)(23).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, FIG. 12A, and FIG. 12B,as to particular embodiments, the securement assembly (24) can, but neednot necessarily, further include a catch actuator (33) operativelycoupled to the catch (27), whereby the catch actuator (33) causesmovement of the catch (27), for example movement resulting in catchableengagement of the catch (27) with an aperture element (24) (as shown inthe examples of FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B) or disengagement of the catch(27) from an aperture element (24) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 12Aand FIG. 12B).

As to particular embodiments, the catch actuator (33) can be locatedproximate the catch (27) (not shown).

As to other particular embodiments, the catch actuator (33) can beremote or distant from the catch (27) (as shown in the examples of FIG.11A and FIG. 12A). As but one illustrative example, the catch actuator(33) can be located proximate a handle (7) coupled to the annular member(5), for example the catch actuator (33) can outwardly extend from thehandle (7). Following, while gripping the handle (7), a user (8) of thecontainer opening support system (1) can control the catch (27) via thecatch actuator (33) to either catchably engage the catch (27) with anaperture element (24) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 11A and FIG.11B) or disengage the catch (27) from an aperture element (24) (as shownin the examples of FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B). As to this particularembodiment, a cable (34) can be disposed between the catch actuator (33)and the catch (27), whereby the cable (34) can transfer movement of thecatch actuator (33) to the catch (27) to cause movement of the catch(27).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 6A through FIG. 9B, as to otherparticular embodiment, the securement assembly (24) can facilitatereleasable securement of the annular member first and second ends(22)(23) in fixed relation to one another at any selectable position, asopposed to incremental positions, along the annular member (5), forexample at any selectable position along a longitudinal axis (26) of theannular member (5), thereby providing continuous adjustment of theannular member perimeter (18). As but one illustrative example, thesecurement assembly (24) can comprise a catch (27) coupled to theannular member second end (23), whereby the catch (27) can be configuredto catchably engage with the annular member outer surface (31) of theannular member first end (22), for example via inwardly directed forces,to releasably secure the annular member first and second ends (22)(23)in fixed relation to one another at any position along the annularmember (5). In this way, the annular member perimeter (18) can beadjusted to have a selected diameter for optimization of the tension oroutwardly directed forces which are applied to the container first end(6) to support the container first end (6) in the open condition (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 7, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 9B, the catch (27)can be incorporated into a catch assembly (35) which also includes apressure generator (36). For example, the catch assembly (35) cancomprise inner and outer collar elements (37)(38) which reciprocallynestingly engage or reciprocally telescopingly engage such that theinner collar element (37) movably disposes within the outer collarelement (38).

Upon coupling to the annular member (5), the annular member first end(22) can be movably coupled within the inner collar element (37) suchthat the annular member outer surface (31) is adjacent to an innercollar element inner surface (39). Additionally, the annular membersecond end (23) can be fixedly coupled to the outer collar element (38),for example within the outer collar element (38).

One or more catches (27) can inwardly extend from the inner collarelement inner surface (39) to catchably engage with the annular memberouter surface (31) of the annular member first end (22), for exampleupon the application of inwardly directed forces to the catch (27), toreleasably secure the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) infixed relation to one another at any position along the annular member(5).

One or more pressure generators (36) can be configured to apply inwardlydirected forces to the one or more catches (27). As but one illustrativeexample, the pressure generator (36) can inwardly extend from an outercollar element internal surface (40). Following, upon receipt of theannular member first end (22) within the inner collar element (37) andnesting or telescoping movement of the inner collar element (37) withinthe outer collar element (38), the catch (27) can align with thepressure generator (36) (as shown in the example of FIG. 9A and FIG.9B), whereby upon alignment, the pressure generator (36) appliesinwardly directed forces to the catch (27) which facilitates catchableengagement with the annular member outer surface (31) of the annularmember first end (22), thereby releasably securing the annular memberfirst and second ends (22)(23) in fixed relation to one another at anyposition along the annular member (5). By reversing the above-describedoperation, namely by nesting or telescoping movement of the inner collarelement (37) within the outer collar element (38) to offset the catch(27) and the pressure generator (36) (as shown in the example of FIG. 8Aand FIG. 8B), the annular member first and second ends (22)(23) can beunsecured and accordingly, free to reciprocally nestingly ortelescopingly move in relation to one another to adjust the annularmember perimeter (18).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5A, FIG. 11A, and FIG. 12A, the annularmember (5) can, but need not necessarily, further include a resilientlyelastic cord (41) disposed therein, for example within a passage orchannel defined by the wall (13) of the annular member (5). Theresiliently elastic cord (41) comprises a cord length disposed betweencord first and second ends (42)(43), whereby each of the cord first andsecond ends (42)(43) can be fixedly attached to the annular member (5),for example proximate an annular member inner surface (44).

The resiliently elastic cord (41) can provide sufficient elastic tensionto forcibly urge the annular member first end (22) toward greaternesting or telescoping engagement with the annular member second end(23), meaning greater portions of the annular member first and secondends (22)(23) overlappingly engage in nesting or telescoping relation,thereby forcibly urging the annular member perimeter (18) toward thecontracted condition (19) to assist in maintaining the nesting ortelescoping engagement of the annular member first and second ends(22)(23). The elastic tension provided by the resiliently elastic cord(41) may be particularly useful in assisting to maintain the nesting ortelescoping engagement of the annular member first and second ends(22)(23) when the securement assembly (24) is unsecured.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 4F, as to particularembodiments, the annular member (5) can be formed as one continuouslength between the annular member first and second ends (22)(23),whereby the length can inwardly taper toward the annular member firstend (22) and/or can outwardly taper toward the annular member second end(23).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 10A through FIG. 10G, FIG. 11A, and FIG.12A, as to other particular embodiments, the annular member (5) can beformed from a plurality of segments (45) which are coupled (or directlycoupled or connected) to one another to together provide the annularmember (5). As but one illustrative example, the annular member (5) canbe formed from at least two segments (45), such as first and secondsegments (46)(47), whereby the first segment (46) includes the annularmember first end (22) and the second segment (47) includes the annularmember second end (23). The annular member first and second ends(22)(23) movably couple to one another to allow adjustment of theannular member perimeter (18) provided by the first and second segments(46)(47) between the contracted and expanded conditions (19)(21).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 10A through FIG. 10G, FIG. 11A, andFIG. 12A, as to particular embodiments, each opposing end of the firstsegment (46) can function as an annular member first end (22) andopposing each end of the second segment (47) can function as an annularmember second end (23) to provide a pair of movable couplings (48)between the first and second segments (46)(47). Correspondingly, eachmovable coupling (48) can be releasably secured by a securement assembly(24) which releasably secures the functioning annular member first end(22) to the functioning annular member second end (23) in fixed relationfollowing adjustment of said annular member perimeter (18) provided bythe first and second segments (46)(47).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 11A and FIG. 12A, as to particularembodiments of the container opening support system (1) having anannular member (5) formed from first and second segments (46)(47), theresiliently elastic cord (41) can be disposed within both of the firstand second segments (46)(47) such that the cord first end (42) fixedlyattaches to the first segment (46) and the cord second end (43) fixedlyattaches to the second segment (47), whereby the resiliently elasticcord (41) can provide sufficient elastic tension to forcibly urge thefirst segment (46) and correspondingly, the annular member first end(22), toward greater nesting or telescoping engagement with the secondsegment (47) and correspondingly, the annular member second end (23),thereby forcibly urging the annular member perimeter (18) provided bythe first and second segments (46)(47) toward the contracted condition(19) to assist in maintaining the nesting or telescoping engagement ofthe first and second segments (46)(47) and correspondingly, the annularmember first and second ends (22)(23). The elastic tension provided bythe resiliently elastic cord (41) may be particularly useful inassisting to maintain the nesting or telescoping engagement of the firstand second segments (46)(47) and correspondingly, the annular memberfirst and second ends (22)(23), when the securement assemblies (24) areunsecured.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 13 through FIG. 16, as to particularembodiments, the annular member (5) can be formed from a plurality ofsegments (45), whereby at least two of the plurality of segments (45)can be pivotally coupled to one another, thereby allowing the segments(45) to pivot at a pivot point (49) which defines a pivot axis (50) (asshown in the example of FIG. 16). For example, the segments (45) canpivot at the pivot point (49) about the pivot axis (50) toward or awayfrom the interior space (20) bounded by the annular member perimeter(18) to adjust or further adjust the annular member perimeter (18), forexample between a contracted condition (19), in which the segments (45)pivot toward the interior space (20) (as shown in the examples of FIG.15A and FIG. 15B) and an expanded condition (21), in which the segments(45) pivot away from the interior space (20) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 13 through FIG. 14F).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 13, as but one illustrative example, theannular member (5) can be formed from four segments (45), for examplefour arcuate segments (45), which each have opposing segment first andsecond ends (51)(52). Each segment first end (51) can be pivotallycoupled to the segment second end (52) of an adjacent segment (45) toallow the pivotally coupled adjacent segments (45) to pivot at theirpivot point (49) about their pivot axis (50).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, third and fourthsegments (54)(55) can pivot about a first pivot axis (53) to move towardthe interior space (20) bounded by the annular member perimeter (18).This movement of the third and fourth segments (54)(55) causes first andsecond segments (46)(47) to move toward one another, thereby adjustingor further adjusting the annular member perimeter (18) toward thecontracted condition (19) which may be useful for inserting the annularmember (5) into the container first end (6) or disengaging the annularmember (5) from the container first end (6).

By reversing the above-described operation, namely moving the first andsecond segments (46)(47) away from one another and pivoting the thirdand fourth segments (54)(55) about the first pivot axis (53) to move thethird and fourth segments (54)(55) away from the interior space (20)bounded by the annular member perimeter (18), the expanded condition(21) of the annular member perimeter (18) can be achieved (as shown inthe example of FIG. 13) to sufficiently tension or apply outwardlydirected forces to the container first end (6) to support the containerfirst end (6) in the open condition (3).

As to particular embodiments, the container opening support system (1)can, but need not necessarily, further include a locking assembly whichmay be useful upon achievement of the expanded condition (21) of theannular member perimeter (18), whereby the locking assembly can beconfigured to directly and/or indirectly lock pivotally coupled segments(45) together in immovable relation to preclude the segments (45) frompivoting about one or more pivot axes (50).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 4F, and FIG. 10A throughFIG. 15B, the container opening support system (1) can, but need notnecessarily, further include a handle (7) coupled to the annular member(5), whereby the handle (7) can be gripped by a user (8) to move thecontainer opening support system (1) from location to location or toposition the container first end (6) in relation to the containablematerials (4) to be transferred into the interior of the flexiblecontainer (2) while the annular member (5) supports and maintains thecontainer first end (6) in the open condition (3).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 3A through FIG. 4F, and FIG. 10Athrough FIG. 15B, as to particular embodiments, the handle (7) can becoupled to the annular member (5) such that the handle (7) inwardlyextends from the annular member (5) toward the interior space (20)bounded by the annular member perimeter (18). As to particularembodiments, the inwardly extending handle (7) can be coplanar with theannular member (5), as shown in the examples of the Figures.

As to particular embodiments, the handle (7) can be pivotally coupled tothe annular member (5), for example to allow pivoting within the planeshared by the handle (7) and the annular member (5) (as shown in theexamples of FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B) or to allow pivoting about thelongitudinal axis (26) of the annular member (5) toward or away from theinterior space (20) bounded by the annular member perimeter (18).

As to other particular embodiments, the handle (7) can be slidablycoupled to the annular member (5), for example to allow sliding withinthe plane shared by the handle (7) and the annular member (5) (notshown), thereby permitting the handle (7) to slide between an inwardlyextending position, in which the handle (7) inwardly extends from theannular member (5) toward the interior space (20) bounded by the annularmember perimeter (18), and an opposing outwardly extending position, inwhich the handle (7) outwardly extends from the annular member (5).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, as to particularembodiments, the container opening support system (1) can, but need notnecessarily, further include a stand (56) configured to support theannular member (5) when the annular member perimeter (18) is adjustedtoward the expanded condition (21).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, as to particularembodiments, the stand (56) can be formed from a plurality of standsegments (57) which can movably couple to one another, for example viaslidable or pivotal engagement, to allow adjustment of the stand (56)between an unfolded condition (58) (as shown in the example of FIG. 17A)and a folded condition (59) (as shown in the example of FIG. 17B),whereby in the folded condition (59), the stand (56) can have a lesservolume, which may be useful for transport, storage, or the like.

Regarding production, a method of making a particular embodiment of thecontainer opening support system (1) can include providing an annularmember (5) having annular member first and second ends (22)(23) whichmovably couple to one another to allow adjustment of an annular memberperimeter (18) between contracted and expanded conditions (19)(21),whereby in the contracted condition (19), the annular member perimeter(18) bounds a lesser interior space (20) in relation to the expandedcondition (21), in which the annular member perimeter (18) bounds agreater interior space (20); and providing a securement assembly (24)which releasably secures the annular member first and second ends(22)(23) in fixed relation to one another following adjustment of theannular member perimeter (18).

The method of making the container opening support system (1) canfurther include providing additional components of the container openingsupport system (1) as described above and as described in the claims.

Components of the container opening support system (1), including theannular member (5), can be made by any of a numerous and wide variety ofprocesses, depending upon the application. As non-limiting examples, theprocess can include press molding, injection molding, fabrication,machining, printing, additive printing, or the like, or combinationsthereof.

Regarding materials, components of the container opening support system(1), including the annular member (5), can be made from any of anumerous and wide variety of materials, depending upon the application.As non-limiting examples, the material can include metal, wood, plastic,plastic-like material, rubber, rubber-like material, injection-moldablematerial, or the like, or combinations thereof.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a containeropening support system and methods for making and using such a containeropening support system, including the best mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “support” should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of the act of “supporting”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “supporting”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of a “support” and even a “means forsupporting.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to beincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the container opening support systems herein disclosed and described,ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar,equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices andmethods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of thefunctions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designsand methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicitto accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature,component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii)the applications enhanced by the various systems or componentsdisclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems orcomponents, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as describedhereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x)the various combinations and permutations of each of the previouselements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application, if any, provides astatement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. Thissection may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain UnitedStates patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter ofthe claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, orconcerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawntoward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patentapplication, publication, statement or other information cited orincorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admittedas prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification are hereby incorporated byreference as part of this description of the invention, and theapplicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion ofsuch incorporated content of such claims as additional description tosupport any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof,and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move anyportion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or anyelement or component thereof from the description into the claims orvice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection issought by this application or by any subsequent application orcontinuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, orto obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to complywith the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty,and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during theentire pendency of this application including any subsequentcontinuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof orany reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

1. A container opening support system for supporting a flexiblecontainer in an open condition to facilitate filling said flexiblecontainer, comprising: an annular member having annular member first andsecond ends which movably couple to one another to allow adjustment ofan annular member perimeter between contracted and expanded conditions;wherein in said contracted condition, said annular member perimeterbounds a lesser interior space in relation to said expanded condition,in which said annular member perimeter bounds a greater interior space;and a securement assembly which releasably secures said annular memberfirst and second ends in fixed relation to one another followingadjustment of said annular member perimeter. 2-4. (canceled)
 5. Thecontainer opening support system of claim 1, wherein said annular memberfirst and second ends are configured to slidably engage with oneanother.
 6. The container opening support system of claim 5, whereinsaid annular member first and second ends are configured to reciprocallynestingly engage or reciprocally telescopingly engage with one another.7. The container opening support system of claim 1, wherein saidsecurement assembly facilitates releasable securement of said annularmember first and second ends in fixed relation to one another atselectable discrete incremental positions along said annular member,thereby providing incremental adjustment of said annular memberperimeter.
 8. The container opening support system of claim 7, whereinsaid securement assembly comprises a catch and a plurality ofcatch-receiving elements; whereby catchable engagement of said catchwith each of said plurality of catch-receiving elements releasablysecures said annular member first and second ends in fixed relation toone another at a different incremental position along said annularmember.
 9. The container opening support system of claim 8, wherein saidcatch is coupled to said annular member first end and said plurality ofcatch-receiving elements are coupled to said annular member second end.10. The container opening support system of claim 8, wherein saidsecurement assembly further comprises a catch actuator operativelycoupled to said catch.
 11. The container opening support system of claim10, wherein said catch actuator is remote from said catch.
 12. Thecontainer opening support system of claim 11, further comprising: ahandle coupled to said annular member; wherein said catch actuator islocated proximate said handle.
 13. The container opening support systemof claim 12, wherein said catch actuator outwardly extends from saidhandle.
 14. The container opening support system of claim 1, whereinsaid securement assembly facilitates releasable securement of saidannular member first and second ends in fixed relation to one another atany selectable position along said annular member, thereby providingcontinuous adjustment of said annular member perimeter.
 15. Thecontainer opening support system of claim 1, further comprising: aresiliently elastic cord disposed within said annular member, saidresiliently elastic cord having a cord length disposed between cordfirst and second ends; wherein each of said cord first and second endsis fixedly attached to said annular member; and wherein said resilientlyelastic cord provides sufficient tension to forcibly urge said annularmember first and second ends toward greater nesting or telescopingengagement, thereby forcibly urging said annular member perimeter towardsaid contracted condition.
 16. The container opening support system ofclaim 1, wherein said annular member is formed as a continuous lengthbetween said annular member first and second ends.
 17. The containeropening support system of claim 1, wherein said annular member comprisesa plurality of segments coupled to one another to together provide saidannular member.
 18. The container opening support system of claim 17,further comprising: a resiliently elastic cord disposed within first andsecond segments which together provide said annular member, saidresiliently elastic cord having a cord length disposed between cordfirst and second ends; wherein said cord first end is fixedly attachedto said first segment and said cord second end is fixedly attached tosaid second segment; and wherein said resiliently elastic cord providessufficient tension to forcibly urge said first segment andcorresponding, said annular member first end, toward greater nesting ortelescoping engagement with said second segment and correspondingly,said annular member second end, thereby forcibly urging said annularmember perimeter provided by said first and second segments toward saidcontracted condition.
 19. The container opening support system of claim17, wherein at least two of said plurality of segments are pivotallycoupled to one another.
 20. The container opening support system ofclaim 19, wherein each of said plurality of segments is arcuate; whereinsaid plurality of segments together form a generally circular annularmember when said expanded condition of said annular member perimeter isachieved.
 21. The container opening support system of claim 1, furthercomprising a handle coupled to said annular member.
 22. The containeropening support system of claim 21, wherein said handle inwardly extendsfrom said annular member toward said interior space bounded by saidannular member perimeter.
 23. The container opening support system ofclaim 22, wherein said handle is generally coplanar with said annularmember. 24-60 (canceled)